Two armed men entered a BRS Nagar restaurant late on Monday night and fired several rounds inside the eatery before fleeing on a motorcycle with a third accomplice, police said. Four staff members were present at the time of the shooting, but all escaped unhurt, they added.
A social media post purportedly issued by gangster Gopi Lahoria’s gang surfaced on Instagram soon after the incident, claiming responsibility for the attack. Police are verifying the authenticity of the post. The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed inside the restaurant and police are examining the footage to establish the route taken by the trio after the incident. Preliminary investigation suggests a possible extortion angle. Investigators suspect the shooting may have been intended to intimidate the restaurant owner ahead of a possible extortion demand, although the exact motive will be established after the accused are arrested and interrogated. A team from the Sarabha Nagar police station reached the restaurant after being informed about the incident and examined the spot.
The incident took place at Pizza From Mexico around 12.41 am, according to police.
The three men arrived on a motorcycle, following which two of them, carrying pistols, entered the restaurant and opened fire, according to restaurant owner Gurpreet Singh. The bullets struck the counter and walls, he said. Additional commissioner of police Rupinder Singh said, “The suspects captured on CCTV have been identified and will be arrested soon. The restaurant owner, however, said he had not received any extortion call.
